The writer was hosted.
When traveling to Cancun, Mexico, in the Yucatan, you have literally hundreds of accommodations to choose from, including all-inclusive resorts and hotels, Airbnbs and vacation rentals. However, I can say that very few are as impressive as the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa.
Classified as a category 6 property in the Marriott Bonvoy program, this luxurious hotel in the Cancun hotel zone is one that I can hands down say is an excellent choice no matter what kind of trip you are on. It is an excellent place to spend a relaxing getaway whether you are with the family, with friends, with work colleagues, or enjoying a solo getaway. It is also one of the best Marriott hotels that I have ever been to, and I have been to quite a few!
The great service started as soon as I arrived to check-in at the front desk. From the moment I arrived, the English-speaking concierge was willing to answer all questions and walk with me to find the elevators. From there I had nothing but great service and delicious food. Not to mention, the rooms and grounds were immaculate and well-kept and the beach was clean and in an excellent location.
Here’s my full review of the JW Marriott Cancun & Spa in Cancun, Mexico:
Guest Rooms at the JW Marriott Cancun Resort:
The hotel has different room types available, some with ocean views and balconies, some with king beds, and some with double beds. There are even some pretty fancy suites available if you want to splurge. I stayed in a deluxe ocean view room with a balcony, offering stunning views of the pool area and glistening turquoise ocean.
But that wasn’t the only impressive thing about the room. One of the features that stood out the most was the classic standalone tub in the bathroom (the very spacious bathroom, I should add). There was also a large shower area with a refreshing waterfall showerhead.
The bathroom was also well-stocked with all you could need beyond the typical soaps, shampoos, and conditioners. There were plenty of towels, a robe and slippers, and a basket of helpful bathroom amenities from a shower cap and dental hygiene kit to feminine products and a sewing kit. The Marriott definitely did a great job here at ensuring you didn’t miss a thing.
For those who need to get work done, the spacious desk and fast, free wifi made it easy to do so. The pull-out sofa bed was great for lounging during the day and having an extra bed at night for the kids or extra guests. And the balcony with 100% soundproof glass was the perfect place to relax with a cold beverage from the minibar at the end of a day in the Cancun sun.
JW Marriott Cancun Resort Restaurants:
There are many on-site dining options at the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa with a variety of foods to choose from: American, Mexican, Spanish, Italian, and Thai. I was lucky enough to try a few of these places during my visit and I must say that all of them were absolutely delicious!
Bravio
Eating at Bravio was like taking a trip to Spain, from the costumed musicians to the delicious sangria and paella. My dinner started with ham and cheese-filled croquettes, a papas bravas appetizer and a delicious meat and cheese platter that paired perfectly with the sangria.
Once finished with the appetizers, it was time for the best part of the meal: the seafood paella. One simply cannot visit a Spanish restaurant without having paella! There was also a chicken paella available for those who may have seafood allergies. To finish off the second course was a delicious piece of steak served with chicken medallions and a mouthwatering creamy orange sauce.
Last but not least was a decadent churro plate for dessert to put the finishing touch on the meal.
Needless to say, I was stuffed at the end of the meal, but very much satisfied!
If you’re a wine lover, you will love Bravio’s great selection of wines that pair perfectly with the various appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Bravio also serves up a delicious breakfast buffet to get your day started on the right foot.
Gustino Italian Grill
Gustino’s is another excellent restaurant at the JW Marriott Cancun offering beautiful views, live music, and delicious Italian fare. Upon walking in, the first thing that caught my eye was the homemade pasta kitchen.
After admiring all of the different pastas, I then walked into a beautifully decorated room with a myriad of lit candles as the centerpiece of attention and a large dome ceiling with a breathtaking mural made to appear as if you were looking into the night sky. The female violinist definitely helped to set the scene, offering a relaxing and intimate dinner for all.
The food at Gustino’s was equally impressive. I had a three-course meal that started with a small Caesar salad, followed by a creamy seafood pasta, and followed by a platter of three mini-desserts with a rich chocolate cake, tiramisu, and a macaron-topped chocolate volcano. Others nearby had a steak and orzo plate that looked absolutely divine. Gustino’s also had an impressive wine menu offering a variety of sweet and dry reds and whites.
Sasi Thai
I was a little hesitant to try Sasi Thai considering my peanut allergy and the fact that most Thai dishes have peanuts incorporated into the ingredients. However, I’m glad that I didn’t skip out because the food and the service were absolutely incredible!
Upon informing the staff about my nut allergy, the chef personally came out to give recommendations and assure me that they would make options catered to my diet. I ended up having a cucumber and tomato salad and potstickers for an appetizer, chicken, and beef skewers for an entree, and a sweet creme brulee for dessert.
The restaurant offered outdoor seating overlooking the ocean, making for a relaxing dinner while the sun set. Like the other restaurants, Sasi also had live music, this time with a talented female saxophonist to play jazzy background tunes.
LA 16 Speakeasy
If you don’t know anything about speakeasies, this is one of the best ones to get your first experience. However, to enter, you’ve got to know the secret password! This cute and cozy bar is the first and only speakeasy at the JW Marriott Cancun and is named after Mexico’s Independence Day.
Upon entering this hidden bar, the first thing I noticed was the unique yet classic decor which was a twist of Mexico’s history and a 1920’s speakeasy bar. The room was small and intimate, which I found to be a bit uncomfortable after it started to fill up. I recommend arriving early enough to grab a table or seat at the bar.
In addition to flavorful handcrafted cocktails, they also served Mexican-style bites to snack on. As someone who lives in Jalisco, Mexico where birria is popular, the rolled birria tacos were my absolute favorite. They were so good, I can still taste them as I write this review!
Lobby Bar
The lobby bar at the JW Marriott Cancun was probably one of the busiest I have seen in a hotel, and this is probably because of its mind-blowing 150-margarita menu! Every margarita flavor and combination you can think of is on this menu, each made with a different Mexican tequila or mezcal. There’s even a nutella margarita!
At night, live music lights up the scene with plenty of space to get up and dance. I couldn’t resist getting up on my feet as the band played both English and Latin American favorites. The band plays until late, but if you want to grab a bite to eat with your cocktails, make sure you place your order well before 11 pm.
Other Restaurants
In addition to the delicious on-site restaurants that I tried, there is also 24-hour room service with an overwhelming number of options to choose from. One morning I ordered scrambled eggs and an authentic Mexican beef huarache, which arrived in no more than 30 minutes with piping hot coffee, fresh grapefruit juice, and tender blueberry muffins. DE-LICIOUS.
Other on-site restaurants that I saw but sadly didn’t have an opportunity to try include the 750 Pizzeria (attached to the gift shop), the exclusive Club 91, and the small taco stand on the Beachwalk and pool area.
JW Marriott Cancun Resort Pool and Beach Area:
After seeing the view of the large, glistening pool from my hotel room, I knew I had to spend some time down in the beach and pool area. The outdoor pool is a two-tier, infinity pool with more than enough space for everyone to spread out and enjoy. Those traveling with little ones will be happy to know that the main pool is family-friendly. However, there is also a smaller adults-only pool available for those wanting to enjoy a quieter pool visit.
For those wanting their own private space, there are several poolside Bali daybeds as well as a few set up right on the beach. I spent some time at one of the beachfront Bali daybeds where I enjoyed a fresh fruit platter and champagne mimosas while looking out on the Caribbean. There was also a full menu available for those who wanted to have a larger meal.
In addition to the comfy and cozy daybeds, there were also plenty of beach chairs with towels already provided to sit back, relax, and enjoy the fresh ocean breeze.
JW Marriott Cancun Resort Spa:
I’ll be honest, I have never taken the time to get a relaxing massage while on vacation. I am so glad that I took the opportunity to visit the Sens-yah Spa at the JW Marriott Cancun. This world-class, 35,000 square foot Mayan-inspired spa is an ideal way to take a break from the sun and relax after a long day exploring Cancun. During my visit, I received a 50-minute customized massage which I soon realized was not nearly enough time!
At check-in, I was asked whether I preferred a male or female masseuse, which made me feel very comfortable knowing I had the choice. Upon arrival, I was then taken to the dressing area where I was given a locker already equipped with a robe and slippers. I was then taken to a cozy waiting room offering water, tea and snacks while I waited for my service.
After a short wait, I was called back to the room, offered a variety of aromatherapy choices, and asked what I needed to focus on to get the most out of my service. Just as I was beginning to doze off to sleep (it was just that relaxing), the 50 minutes was over. Before leaving, the masseuse handed me a card with her recommendations for what type of service she felt I would benefit from during my next visit. After the massage, I headed over to the sauna to detox and relax for a few moments more.
The dressing rooms and showers were very well stocked with plenty of towels, lockers with robes, shampoos and conditioners, lotions, shaving materials, and everything you could possibly need after your service.
While I didn’t have the opportunity to experience them, the spa also had a steam room, cold water jacuzzi, and hot water jacuzzi. And right next door to the spa was the fitness center complete with a health bar, fitness classes, and an indoor pool with lap lanes.
Other JW Marriott Cancun Resort Amenities:
In addition to the world-class spa, sparkling pools, and top-notch restaurants and bars, the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa also offers a well-stocked gift shop and convenience store, a game room, clothing store with stylish swimsuits and coverups, two rentable outdoor tennis courts, and free self-parking and valet parking for guests.
The incredible concierge team stays ready to help with excursions outside of the resort. During my visit, they coordinated an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience with EcoColors Tours to swim with whale sharks, the world’s largest fish! Although it was a long trip out to sea (hint: bring the Dramamine), it was an unforgettable experience I will never forget!
And when the time comes for the tropical vacation to end, the hotel’s express check-out makes it a breeze to get on your way.
Overall Review of the JW Marriott Cancun Resort:
Although not an all-inclusive resort like most Cancun resorts, the JW Marriott Cancun certainly makes up for it with its impeccable service and amenities. During my visit, there was honestly not one thing that made me feel that another resort could do better. Whether I take another solo trip or revisit Cancun with family and friends, I would not hesitate to book a stay at the JW Marriott Cancun.
JW Marriott Cancun Resort and Spa Details:
The JW Marriott Cancun is located just a short drive from the shopping, restaurants, and bustling nightlife in the Cancun hotel zone, at Blvd. Kukulcan, KM 14.5, Lote 40-A, Zona Hotelera, Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico, 77500.
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